Support Your Local Craftsperson

I walked down the street to a crafts fair this afternoon. I would not have heard of it except for the colorful handmade signs pointing south. After unsuccessfully trying to get Two Dogs to come along (he was busy practicing his music), I went by myself. I'm glad I did.

It was a treasure trove of colorful, well-made, beautiful, one-of-a-kind items. Unfortunately, I was low on funds today, and this was all I could buy:



A bookmark from Hearts and Laserbeams and a small map print from Fred on Earth 1128. I got the map print because it shows Manhattan Island, where Two Dogs was born:



It's more important than ever to think about where you shop. If you feel the need for jewelry, cards, knits, bags, baby clothes, wall art, etc., don't, I say DON'T, go to the soulless big box store or mall. Go straight to online stores such as Etsy, Cafe Press, Buy Olympia, and Greeting Card Universe, among others. You will be supporting hardworking artists who love what they do and want to do what they love. Some of them might live in your own neighborhood!